Dato’ Seri Saarani Mohamad delivering his speech at the event.

PASIR SALAK, 14 September 2025 –Pasir Salak has its own uniqueness as a historical site that preserves the story of the nation's resistance against colonialism, thus becoming as an important guide for today’s generation to understand the meaning of freedom and the responsibility of preserving heritage.

Perak Dato’ Seri Saarani Mohamad said this when officiating the closing ceremony of Warisan@Pasir Salak 2025 at Kompleks Pasar Tani Kekal in Kampong Gajah here.

According to him, the Pasir Salak Historical Complex has elevated the narrative of the resistance against the administration of British Resident J.W.W. Birch on the banks of the Perak River, highlighting the bravery of local figures that ultimately ignited national consciousness.

He said that the story of the struggle must continue to be embraced so that the spirit of history is not extinguished by time.

“The uniqueness of Perak Tengah does not stop at Pasir Salak alone. The spirit of preserving heritage is demonstrated by the local community through community-based tourism that connects historical values with daily economic activities,” he said.

Dato’ Seri Saarani Mohamad said that initiatives such as the Labu Tanjung Bidara workshop, gold thread embroidery in Kampung Gajah, firefly panorama in Kota Setia and tourism orchards in Pasir Salak have become symbols of the creativity of the local people.

“This is the true face of heritage tourism – when the history, culture and economy of the people come together. It not only generates income but also ensures that the state's cultural identity remains vibrant,” he elaborated.

The programme, organised by the National Heritage Department in collaboration with the Perak Tengah District and Land Office, was held over three days starting last Friday with various events, including Bicara Warisan, Pasir Salak Berselawat, Bicara Dabus, sales of Small and Medium Industry (SMI) products, traditional food demonstrations and the Ratu Kebaya Cilik contest.

Also present were Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (MOTAC) Secretary-General Dato’ Shaharuddin Abu Sohot, National Heritage Department Director-General Mohamad Muda B. Bahadin, Perak Tengah District Officer Mohd Zaki Abdul Rahman, PUSPANITA MOTAC Chairman Datin Yuzaira Yusuff and PUSPANITA Perak Tengah District Chairman Shamsina Abu Hasan.

In a related development, Lenggong has received recognition as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Global Geopark (UGGp) at the 11th International Global Geopark Conference at Universidad Catolica de Temuco, Araucania, Chile, in conjunction with the 10th Meeting of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council on 7 September.

Commenting on the matter, Dato’ Seri Saarani Mohamad said that although the official declaration is expected to take place next year, the state government will continue to make efforts to channel some development funds despite facing financial constraints.

He stressed that a budget review is being conducted in addition to the Perak State Government submitting an application for additional allocations, including to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC).

“Although our funds are limited, we will try to help. I have received complaints from visitors that accommodation in Lenggong is severely lacking, even though the value of tourist arrivals and traders' income are increasing. If there were more accommodation, it would certainly be much better.

“This recognition is very valuable because it places Lenggong not only as an important site for the archaeological discovery of Perak Man, but also as a world-class tourist destination. We just have to constantly nurture and appreciate this value, otherwise UNESCO could withdraw the recognition,” he said in a press conference after the closing ceremony.

Concluding the programme, Dato’ Seri Saarani Mohamad visited Pasir Salak Eco Resort, Time Tunnel, Rumah Kutai Tok Pelita, Rumah Tok Maharaja Lela and the Residence of Dato’ Sagor.

The visit aimed to assess the potential of Pasir Salak as a historical heritage destination and to strengthen its role in the state's tourism sector.

Source : Corporate, SUK Perak.